GB2481013A

GB2481013A - Security system comprising partition screen with air forced from one side to the other

Info

Publication number: GB2481013A
Application number: GB1009510.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Steven W Wanstall
Original assignee: KENT K9 Ltd
Current assignee: KENT K9 Ltd
Priority date: 2010-06-07
Filing date: 2010-06-07
Publication date: 2011-12-14
Also published as: GB201009510D0

Abstract

The security system comprises an air permeable screen 101, which in use separates a person 103 to be scanned from a dog 104a to perform the scanning. A fan is preferably provided to blow air across a pathway towards the dog. The screen preferably has a plurality of holes and may be a mesh. Facilitates detection of smuggled illegal substances i.e. discovery of drugs by sniffer dogs in airports etc.

Description

Security System The present invention relates generally to a security system and in particular to a security system for use in an airport, Furthermore, the system of the present invention is suitable for assisting in the detection of specific substances on passengers as they pass through airport security.

Airports provide gateways between countries across the world and are one of the main ports for international travel and international shipping of goods. Air travel currently offers the fastest form of travel around the world, and at least for this reason air travel is a preferred means for global travel.

Unfortunately, air travel is one of the most common forms of transport used by smugglers of illegal products and in particular illegal substances such as drugs. Many illegal drugs are produced in third world or developing countries in South America, the Middle East, and South East Asia. In order to smuggle these drugs into wealthier western nations such as those in Europe and North America, where there is a market for illegal resale of such drugs, air travel is one of the fastest and most effective modes of transport.

In order to attempt to eliminate, or at least minimise, the illegal sale of drugs in countries it is common for countries to set up border controls, which include illegal substance detection systems. Since air travel is such an effective way of distributing such illegal substances it is essential in the battle against the illegal drugs trade to provide effective airport security to prevent the entry of drugs into a country.

A preferred system for illegal drug detection at airports involves the use of so-called sniffer dogs' or detection dogs'. These are specially trained dogs that are capable of detecting illegal drugs by use of their sense of smell. When the dogs detect the presence of illegal drugs on a person they are then able to provide a signal to their handler, such that their handler is aware that a particular person may be in the possession of such drugs. The handler is then in a position to identify the person thought to be in possession of illegal drugs, and thus perform a full search of the person.

It should be noted that in addition to the detecting of illegal drugs, sniffer dogs can be trained to use their sense of smell to detect other substances. For example, some sniffer dogs are trained to detect explosive substances. Detection of explosive substances is as, if not more important, than the detection of illegal drugs, particularly due to the threat of terrorist attacks on air travel. In addition to illegal drugs and explosive devices, sniffer dogs can also be trained to detect plants, animals, produce and agricultural items, which might be invasive species not allowed to enter a particular country. It is also noted that other animals with impeccable senses of smell, such as pigs, have been trained to carry out illegal substance detection tasks.

A problem with the use of sniffer dogs for detecting the presence of certain specific substances both on passengers and luggage passing through airports is that many people are intimidated by the presence of dogs, allergic to dogs, or in some cases repulsed by dogs due to religious, social or cultural beliefs. There is, therefore, a need to find an alternative means of detecting illegal substances without the need for dogs to patrol airports and therefore possibly offend or even scare passengers.

It is an object of embodiments of the present invention to at least partially overcome the aforementioned problem.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a security system for aiding in the scanning of people for substances, the security system comprising: a screen for separating a person to be scanned from a dog to perform the scanning, the screen arranged such that: a person to be scanned is locatable adjacent one surface of the screen; a dog to perform the scanning is locatable adjacent an other surface of the screen; and air is passable across the screen from the surface of the screen adjacent which a person is locatable to the surface of the screen adjacent which the dog is

locatable.

Preferably, the security system further comprises an air movement mechanism arranged to move air from the surface of the screen adjacent which the person is locatable to the surface of the screen adjacent which the dog is locatable.

Conveniently, the security system further comprises a pathway situated adjacent the one surface of the screen, wherein the pathway is arranged for a person to be located thereon; wherein the air movement mechanism is arranged to move air across the pathway towards the screen.

Advantageously, the air movement mechanism comprises a fan.

Preferably, the air movement mechanism comprises an extractor.

Conveniently, the screen has at least one air passage hole such that air is passable through the screen.

Advantageously, the screen is a mesh structure having a plurality of air passage holes.

Preferably, the screen is arranged with respect to the system such that there is a gap provided along at least one side of the screen such that air is passable across the at least one side of the screen.

Conveniently, a portion of the screen is arranged as a screening portion, the screening portion arranged for screening of an individual person.

Preferably, the screening area is a recessed area.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for screening passengers for substances, the method comprising providing a screen for separating a person to be scanned from a dog to perform the scanning. The screen arranged such that: a person to be scanned is locatable adjacent one surface of the screen; a dog to perform the scanning is locatable adjacent an other surface of the screen; and air is passable across the screen from the surface of the screen adjacent which a person is locatable to the surface of the screen adjacent which the dog is locatable. The method may further comprise blowing air across the passengers and towards the screen, and therefore towards the dog.

Embodiments of the present invention shall now be described, as an example only, with reference to the drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a security system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 illustrates a plan view of the security system of Figure 1; and Figure 3 illustrates the structure of the screen of the security system of Figure 1.

In the description and drawings like reference numerals refer to like parts.

A first embodiment of the present invention shall now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3.

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a security system in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 illustrates a plan view of the security system of Figure 1.

This first embodiment of the present invention provides a means for allowing a dog or canine and dog/canine handler to scan passengers in an airport without the passengers having to be directly confronted by the dog and dog handler.

While this first embodiment is described with reference to scanning of passengers in an airport it will be appreciated that such a canine scanning system could be utilised in various environments, such as scanning of spectators entering a sports stadium, or employees/visitors entering an office. These latter examples may be of particular relevance for the detection of explosive substances.

The first embodiment of the present invention achieves such canine scanning by providing a barrier or screen 101 between a pathway 102 along which passengers 103 have to walk and a dog 104a and a dog handler 104b (hereinafter referred to as the canine detection team 104). The screen 101 is arranged to separate the passengers' 103 from the canine detection team 104 while allowing air passing over the passengers 103 to reach the canine detection team 104, such that the canine detection team 104 can detect specific substances on the passengers 103.

In this embodiment of the invention the screen 101 is arranged to allow the passengers 103 to have at least a partial view of the canine detection team 104. This therefore provides a visual deterrent to passengers, such that they are aware they are being scanned for substances such as illegal drugs and/or explosives.

In this preferred embodiment of the present invention the screen 101 is provided along a pathway 102 that all passengers 103 have to walk. This ensures that all of the passengers 103 can be scanned by the canine detection team 104. The screen 101 takes the form of a wall along the side of the pathway. The screen 101 is arranged in this embodiment of the invention as a mesh-based wall, allowing air and light to pass therethrough.

The pathway 102 is designed as a standard path along which passengers have to walk in order to minimise the disruption caused to passengers. For that reason, the pathway 102 is typically at least 2 meters wide in order to provide sufficient space for passengers to walk. However, as discussed below a narrower pathway improves the efficiency of the canine detection team 104 because the passengers 103 have to walk closer to the screen and thus the dog 1 04a.

In this embodiment of the invention the screen 101 is made of a mesh-like material arranged to allow air to pass through. The construction of the screen of this first embodiment of the invention is discussed in more detail with respect to Figure 3. In addition to being made of a mesh-like material, the screen 101 is raised slightly from the ground so that air can also pass under the screen 101. Allowing air to pass through and under the screen 101 means that scents, odours and other smells given off by the passengers 103 and their baggage can pass through to the canine detection team 104. The screen is also arranged such that the passengers can see the dog 104a, but the dog 104a cannot get wholly or partially through the screen. In order to achieve this the mesh is provided with sufficiently small holes to allow air and light to pass through, but not to allow the dog to pass through.

Also provided in the system of this first embodiment of the present invention is an airflow system 105 arranged to blow air across the pathway 102 towards the screen 101. The airflow system is mounted in the top portion of wall 108. Hence, the airflow system, which in this embodiment of the invention is a directional fan, blows air from a first wall 108 adjacent the pathway 102, across the passengers 103 walking along the pathway 102, such that the air then passes through the screen 101, which is adjacent the other side of the pathway 102, towards the canine detection team 104. The airflow system 105 is, therefore, arranged to direct the air across the passengers 103 towards the canine detection team 104. Use of the airflow system 105 thus improves the transfer of odour carrying particles from the passengers 103 to the canine detection team 104.

The fans of the airflow system 105 are mounted at the top portion of the wall 108. In particular, the fans are arranged such that they direct the flow of air towards the screen 101. A constant airflow is provided by the airflow system in order to minimise the disturbance caused to the passengers, in addition to making the flow of air regular, thereby making the detection by the canine detection team easier.

The system of this first embodiment of the present invention also provides a screening area 106. This screening area 106 is a semi-circular recessed portion of the screen 101, which forms a close screening bubble. The screening area 106 is provided such that specific passengers can be asked to step into the booth-like screening area 106 to be individually screened or scanned. Once a passenger 103 is standing in the screening area 106 it is possible for the canine detection team 104 to perform an individual and more specific scan of the particular passenger 103.

In the event that the canine detection team 104 detects a specific substance, such as illegal drugs or explosives, from air passing through the screen 101 from the pathway 102, security personnel located on the pathway 102 are instructed to manage an individual screening process. Firstly, a set of controlled security gates 107 are shut so that all passengers 103 passing through the passageway at any one time are held within an area of the pathway 102. Further gates (not illustrated) may be provided at the entrance of the pathway 102 in order to isolate the passengers 103 passing along the pathway 102 at the point in time that the canine detection team 104 detects an illegal substance. It is then possible to perform individual screening of each passenger on the pathway 102, using the screening area 106, and thus determine which passenger(s) are the source of the odour. If one or more passengers 103 are identified as carrying such a substance from this screening process the passengers in question can then be taken away to a private assessment room for further screening, tests, and analysis to be carried out.

The structure of the screen 101 of Figure 1 is illustrated in Figure 3. In particular, a section 201 of the screen 101 has been enlarged to aid explanation of the screen's structure. In particular, it can be seen that the screen 101 is formed of a mesh construction, arranged with a plurality of interlocked horizontal 202 and vertical 203 bars. The horizontal bars and the vertical bars are spaced apart from one another respectively such that a space is formed between the interlocking bars 202, 203 to create a plurality of air passages 204. The mesh is arranged to have air passages 204 of a sufficient size in order to allow sufficient air to flow to the canine detection team 104 for detection of illegal substances.

Also illustrated in Figure 3 is a gap 205 provided under the screen 101. The gap 205 is provided to allow air to pass through the gap 205 from the pathway 102 to the canine detection team 104. In this embodiment of the invention the gap is approximately 50mm from the base of the screen 101 to the floor.

The screen is held up above the floor by a plurality of supports 206, which define the height of the gap 205. However, it will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments the supports may not be required and the screen 101 could be suspended from the ceiling or the walls.

Some alternative embodiments of the invention shall now be discussed. Since, the alternative embodiments share many similarities with the above described first embodiment only the differences between each of the alternative embodiments and the first embodiment shall be discussed. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that characteristics of each of the further embodiments described could be combined, in accordance with the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims, in order provide yet further alternative embodiments.

While a specific mesh arrangement of the screen has been disclosed it will be appreciated that any suitable mesh or screen structure could be used, provided the screen prevents the dog contacting the passengers and allows air to pass from the passengers to the dog. For example, a piece of fabric, wire fencing, chain-link fencing, or such like could provide a suitable dividing screen.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the screen may be arranged to allow air to pass through while preventing or minimising light passing through. This, therefore, minimises the likelihood of passengers seeing the dog 1 04a While the visual deterrent is not longer present, this embodiment reduces the likelihood of passengers being disturbed by the presence of a dog.

It may be possible to allow air to pass through the screen and not light by arranging the horizontal bars in a sloped configuration such they direct light away from passengers 103, without preventing the flow of air from the pathway 102 to the area in which the canine detection team 104 are patrolling.

Furthermore, in other embodiments of the present invention the screen is constructed from a single sheet material provided with holes throughout its surface. These holes then act as the air passages of the above discussed embodiment. In certain embodiments the air passages are only provided at a level corresponding to a level of an average dogs' nose. This arrangement minimises the light passing from the canine detection team area to the pathway, but ensures that air reaches the dog's nose for detection. It is noted that a single slit running the length of the screen at the height of a dog's nose could achieve this function.

While the above described first embodiment of the invention utilises both a screen 101 made of a mesh-like material, and a gap 205 for allowing air to pass from the pathway to the canine detection team it will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments only one of these air flow paths is provided. Increasing the number of airflow paths increases the airflow and therefore improves the likelihood of the canine detection team 104 successfully detecting. In contrast, reducing the number of airflow paths simplifies the design of the screen 101 making it cheaper to manufacture, and reducing the risk of passengers noticing the canine detection team 104.

The gap 205 can be provided at any side of the screen 101. For example, the gap could be provided above the screen. In such a case the screen need only be high enough to prevent the dog jumping over the screen.

In those embodiments of the invention where the screen 101 is arranged such that light cannot pass through the screen, the screen 101 can be provided with a means for allowing the dog handler to see through to the pathway 102, while still preventing the passengers see the dog and dog handler. For example, at least a portion of the screen 101 could be made of one-way glass. Alternatively, a close circuit television (CCTV) system could be utilised. Providing the handler with a view of the pathway 102 will make it easier for the dog handler to identify which passenger the dog has identified as carrying an unwanted substance.

Figure 1 depicts the airflow system 105 as being above head height of the passengers 103. Providing the airflow system 105 at head height means that air is more likely to be blown across the whole body of the passengers and is therefore likely to blow air across a portion of a passenger which has been in contact with an illegal substance or such like. However, it will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments the airflow system could be a ground level, or distributed across the whole height of the wall on which it is mounted.

The airflow system described in respect of the first embodiment has a constant flow rate and fixed blowing direction. However, in alternative embodiments variable directional properties and/or variable flow rates can be provided. Having an airflow system which varies direction constantly, for example by moving up and down, will assist in getting air to flow over the whole of each passenger. This will therefore increase the likelihood of illegal substances being detected.

In further alternative embodiments of the invention the airflow system 105 need not be a fan. Instead, a natural convection current could be set up to allow air to move across the pathway towards the canine detection team. In other embodiments of the invention an airflow system is not provided at all and the proximity of the canine detection team to the pathway is relied upon for allowing the canine detection team to detect illegal substances in the air passing over the passengers.

In yet further embodiments of the invention, the area in which the canine detection team operate has a suction mechanism, which forms part of the airflow system. Such a suction or extraction device helps to draw air from the blowing fan, across the passengers and through the screen to the canine detection team.

In the embodiment of the invention depicted by Figure 1 it will be appreciated that the screening area 106 could take many different shapes and forms. For example, the screening area need not be semicircular, and could just be a portion of the wall at which passengers are asked to stand next to. Alternatively, the screening area 106 could be a separate booth. In such a case the screening area 106 could replace the pathway, or alternatively, the screening area could be a separate inspection booth location off the pathway.

While in the first embodiment of the invention the pathway 102 is approximately 2 meters in width, in alternative embodiments the pathway is just 1 meter wide. Having a narrow pathway means that passengers have to walk in single file, making it easier to determine which passengers are the source of a smell corresponding to a specified unwanted substance. Furthermore, the narrower the pathway, the closer the passengers 103 have to walk to the screen 101 and as a consequence the closer the canine detection team 104 can be to the passengers 103. A further advantage is that the volume of air between the walls of the pathway 102 is reduced and therefore air carrying particles corresponding to illegal substances will get less distributed before passing through the screen 101.

In yet further alternative embodiments, rather making the pathway narrower, which could be problematic for people suffering from claustrophobia, or such like, a simple rope or dividing partition is provided to narrow the width of the pathway without reducing the width between the screen and wall on which the fan can be mounted.

Similarly, in those embodiments of the invention where the passengers can see the canine detection team, the screen could be made sufficiently high to prevent the dog jumping over or protruding over the screen, while also widening the corridor at head height. This, therefore, helps to overcome problems such as claustrophobia.

In yet further alternative embodiments of the invention multiple pathways can be set up in parallel, with the canine detection team area set between two pathways. Such embodiments allow for an increase in the passengers walking through the security system, without necessarily requiring additional canine detection teams. In addition, such parallel pathways could be combined with the hand luggage screening process, so that passengers are scanned by the canine detection team while their hand luggage is being scanned by an x-ray machine or such like. In further embodiments of the invention, the hand luggage can at the same time be scanned by a canine detection team.

In further embodiments of the invention passengers do not walk along a pathway, but instead each passenger is asked to pass through a screening booth. It is then possible for one or more canine detection teams to surround the passenger being screened, thereby increasing the likelihood of illegal substances being detected. In such an embodiment, wherein the passenger is effectively surrounded, wholly or partially, by a screen, the airflow system may blow from above or be'ow the passenger in order to force air over the passenger and through the screen.

While each of the above mentioned embodiments of the invention have described the screen as being a vertical wall, it will be appreciated that the screen could equally be the floor or ceiling of the passageway or screening booth (i.e. the screen could be horizontal). For example, in the case that the screen is the floor, air is blown from the ceiling across the passenger with the air detection team located below the floor.

However, it is noted that an arrangement wherein air is blown from the floor towards the ceiling, which is adapted to allow air to pass there through, would allow the dog to get its nose close to the screen (ceiling of pathway) therefore improving detection.

It is appreciated that various features of the invention which are, for clarity, described in the contexts of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the invention is defined only by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A security system for aiding in the scanning of people for substances, the security system comprising: a screen for separating a person to be scanned from a dog to perform the scanning, the screen arranged such that: a person to be scanned is locatable adjacent one surface of the screen; a dog to perform the scanning is locatable adjacent an other surface of the screen; and air is passable across the screen from the surface of the screen adjacent which a person is locatable to the surface of the screen adjacent which the dog is locatable.
2. The security system according to claim 1, further comprising: an air movement mechanism arranged to move air from the surface of the screen adjacent which the person is locatable to the surface of the screen adjacent which the dog is locatable.
3. The security system according to claim 2, further comprising: a pathway situated adjacent the one surface of the screen, wherein the pathway is arranged for a person to be located thereon; wherein the air movement mechanism is arranged to move air across the pathway towards the screen.
4. The security system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the air movement mechanism comprises a fan.
5. The security system according to one of claims 2, 3, or 4, wherein the air movement mechanism comprises an extractor.
6. The security system according to any preceding claim, wherein the screen has at least one air passage hole such that air is passable through the screen.
7. The security system according to claim 6, wherein the screen is a mesh structure having a plurality of air passage holes.
8. The security system according to any preceding claim, wherein the screen is arranged with respect to the system such that there is a gap provided along at least one side of the screen such that air is passable across the at least one side of the screen.
9. The security system according to any preceding claim, wherein a portion of the screen is arranged as a screening portion, the screening portion arranged for screening of an individual person.
10. The security system according to claim 9, wherein the screening area is a recessed area.